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goodies that just might prove too tempting. But I like to test my willpower. I keep them in there and let myself walk on by. If you feel that they will be too big of a temptation and you'll lose your willpower when you're too tired or hungry, then by all means clean out the cupboards. Another solution is to put snacks in bite-size baggies and freeze them. If you put them in 100-calorie portions, you will be less likely to cheat. You can read on the container of each snack food to determine how much is exactly 100 calories.

Step Five: Eat Six Small Meals a Day

Portion control and eating several small meals a day will keep you on the right path. I eat six small meals a day and never skip breakfast. In fact, I have traded in my bowl of oatmeal for an apple the first thing when I wake up. Eating more often assures that I won't allow myself to get too hungry and then overeat. Another benefit of eating six small meals a day is that you keep your metabolism revived up.

Step Six: Give Yourself Treats

What? Isn't that defeating the purpose of a personal diet plan? No! If you deprive yourself endlessly, you'll end up going on a binge that you'll regret. Fortunately, ice cream has never been a weakness of mine, but cheesecake is most definitely. Consider adding a treat to your daily or weekly plan, but pay attention to the portion control. You will find that when you limit your treats, you will enjoy them more and crave them less and less.

Step Seven: Keep a Journal

Seven is the perfect number and this is where I will leave you to enjoy your success. Writing is my profession, so it would only be natural for me to mention this. When I'm writing, I'm not hungry (strangely enough). Maybe it has something to do with keeping my hands on the keyboard. Write down your weight every day (be honest!). Write down everything you eat (that's always fun), and then write down what you're feeling. If you're anxious or upset, write about it. If you're happy, write about that too, but don't celebrate with another piece of cheesecake. The delayed response it takes to write something down just might be the thing that keeps you from grabbing that extra piece of chocolate. So by all means, keep writing!

The key to any weight loss plan is to personalize it for you. Aim for balance and don't feel guilty when you slip up and eat those forbidden potato chips. Feelings of guilt only lead to failure. Just continue on your program and don't be afraid of failure. Keep it simple and you'll succeed in losing those unwanted pounds. Here's to your success!

Learn more about this author, C. Kay Rowley.
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